5 KM Awareness Run Against Drug Abuse – September 2018

The Sports Council of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Udupi District Police, Udupi Press Club, Udupi Working Journalists Association ably supported by the Academy of General Education, Manipal, Udayavani.com, Syndicate Bank, MAHE Association of Pharmacy Students, Manipal Runners’ Club and ManipalBlog.com organized a 5 KM Fun Run to raise Awareness Against Drug Abuse.

The TShirt Distribution began as early as 6 AM followed by a Warm Up Session before the run. Sharp at 7:40, the run was flagged off by the Superintendent of Police, Udupi District, Mr Laxman Nimbargi, IPS and the Pro Chancellor of MAHE, Dr HS Ballal flanked by Officers and HoIs of MAHE and the representatives from the other organizing partners. The run saw runners traverse the length of Manipal in bright yellow TShirts spreading the message loud and clear.

Water Stations were kept throughout the route which was ably managed by Student Volunteers from MCOPS and breakfast was arranged at the venue. As many as 3000 runners ran the 5 K stretch in a sight to behold.

The Program concluded with a short valedictory with all the participating schools and institutions given a token of appreciation. Laxman B Nimbargi, IPS – The Superintendent of Police, Udupi District, BR Hiremath, Deputy Zonal Manager, Syndicate bank, Mr. Nataraj, Regional Manager, Syndicate bank, Manipal, Ganesh Prasad Pardelu, President of Udupi District, Working Journalists Association, Mr. Nagaraj Rao, Coordinator, Press Club Udupi and the Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE – Health Sciences, Dr. Poornima Baliga were present. Tokens of encouragement were also given to Mr. Mallikarjuna who finished the race first, Nozwan, a 7 year old from Katpadi who finished the race in a mere 23 minutes, an incredible pace for his age, and Ms Archana Jaivittal who represented Asare.

The event called curtains by 10 with Manipal having done it’s bit in the war against drug abuse with one slogan echoing the streets of Manipal on the Sunday Morning Say no to drug abuse, and yes to running shoes!